It was in the year 2013 that I saw a sweet face in a show called Beintehaa and I just got the feeling that this girl is going to do something big and achieve superstardom. Nine years later, my gut feeling came true as Shivangi Joshi is currently one of the biggest names in the Indian TV industry with the success of a massive show like Yeh Rishta Kya Kehlata Hai behind her. Recently, the actress was seen in the music video of Boli Tujhse opposite Tahir Raj Bhasin and she again mesmerised me with her charm and talent.
For over five years, Shivangi was the face of one of the longest running shows on Indian TV as the much-loved Naira, with even playing a double role as Seerat for a while before she bid adieu to it last year. Soon after, she became the face of Balika Vadhu 2 and received as much love from the audience. Recently, as I got to interact with the actress, I asked her how long did it take for her to move on from Naira and her answer got me emotional as well.
She says,
“I think I never moved on from Naira and I don’t even want to. The character is very close to my heart and it will always be really special to me. But to go somewhere, you have to get out from another place and that’s what I did and took on a new show and a new character. That’s how an actor’s life is. The journey of a character has to end somewhere, but I haven’t moved on from Naira and neither I want to. Naira and that show has given me a lot and I will always be grateful for it.”
Portraying the same character on screen everyday for over five years is no mean feat, and to receive consistent love from the audience for it is a bigger achievement. But as soon as Shivangi left YRKKH, she joined Balika Vadhu 2. Now that the show has ended as well, the actress is at a phase where she isn’t the face of a show after a long time. As I ask her if this period is a little bit liberating and explorative for her, she agrees with me.
Shivangi asserts,
“Yes, and I also have a few things lined up. This is my preparation period and I want to explore it. I am learning horse riding and some more other things, and that is how I am utilising this period. I am a workaholic and I love working. But I had been constantly working for the past 8-9 years, so I needed this break. Although I am also someone who can’t sit at home. I am just beginning and there is a lot that I still have to do.”
Ever since I first saw Shivangi in Beintehaa, I knew she was meant for greater things and she proved me right. I feel so glad to have backed a talent like her. As she gets ready to enter a new phase of her career and move on to bigger things, I am sure that she is destined for greatness here as well. I am now just waiting for it all to unravel and see Shivangi climb the ladder of success higher and higher.